Morris: First Imposing-stone 7 



So much for the story of the men who have been directly con- 

 cerned in this interesting old relic. There is a tradition that it 

 was originally a part of a pedestal in the Van Ness residence 

 that stood near Bowling Green, years prior to the Revolution. 

 I cannot vouch for the truth of this statement ;, but I can state with 

 assurance that it served in the composing room of the New York 

 Commercial, and later was used in a publishing house at 174 

 Broadway, about one hundred years ago. It was purchased by 

 WilHam Hagadorn, who removed it to Newark, New Jersey, and 

 used it in the office of the Intelligencer. When Mr. Hagadorn 

 removed to Staten Island he brought the printing material of his 

 office with him. 



The stone in time became so greatly worn that its mission as a 

 printing office fixture was ended. General Hagadorn then had 

 it cemented in the steps leading from the street to his residence, 

 now the home of Mr. Charles Broughton, 55 Beach Street, Staple- 

 ton, where it rested for about fifty years. 



Through the courtesy of Mr. Broughton, I am now permitted to 

 present it to the Association, and to him I feel that we owe an 

 expression of our appreciation for the gift. 



